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    Home » Beef

    Easy Beef Bowls

    Published: Aug 3, 2019 / Updated: Feb 28, 2022 / 158 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    These easy beef bowls are a quick and delicious Asian-inspired recipe that makes the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes!

    closeup of Asian beef bowls

    These beef and rice bowls are Korean-inspired, but I do use hoisin sauce which is technically Chinese. There's many similar recipes floating around on Pinterest these days, and I can't believe I didn't put my own twist on this recipe sooner. That beef is just so good. Most of the recipes I've seen just use brown sugar and soy sauce, but I love the taste of hoisin sauce. It provides a depth of flavor that makes this dish taste extra special. 

    This meal has quickly become one of my favorite quick dinners. I don't always have time to re-make stuff that I post on the blog since I'm always coming up with new recipes, but this one will definitely be on repeat. 

    Just a note on serving these ground beef bowls - you don't need to top 'em with sesame seeds like I did. Turns out that ground beef is not the prettiest thing to photograph, so I was desperately raiding my pantry trying to figure out how the heck to make the bowls look more appealing in the photos. The photos you see are my third attempt at photographing this dish. 😛 

    two ground beef bowls served with rice

    What kind of beef to use?

    I prefer using extra lean (at least 96% lean) ground beef for this recipe because then you don't have to worry about draining the fat. It's also an easy way to manage calories with less effort. 

    What is hoisin sauce?

    According to Google, hoisin sauce is "a sweet, spicy, dark red sauce made from soybeans, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and various spices that's widely used in southern Chinese cooking". I always keep hoisin sauce in my fridge. If you've never bought it before, it's quite readily available. You can find it in the Asian section of most major grocery stores. 

    How to make ground beef and rice bowls

    1. In a skillet, brown the beef until it's cooked through.
    2. Stir in the sauce ingredients.
    3. Add the chopped red pepper and cook it for a few more minutes until it's tender-crisp. 
    4. Serve over rice and with the optional garnish. Easy! (Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below).

    A few recipe tips:

    • You don't need to go out and buy sriracha sauce just for this recipe if you never use it, but I do like the flavor it adds. I didn't add a lot since I'm not great with spice myself, but you can always add more if you want to give this recipe more heat.
    • I added a red pepper for color and a bit of freshness. If you don't like red pepper, you could leave it out - it won't break anything. 
    • To easily grate fresh ginger, store it in the freezer! This way I never run out of fresh ginger, and it is much easier to grate. 
    • You don't have to serve this dish with rice. Try cauliflower rice, quinoa, noodles, or serve it with other veggies. Or just eat it with a spoon straight out of the pan like I maaaay have done when I first made it. 
    • This is the type of recipe where you can definitely adjust the sauce ingredients to taste, so don't be shy!
    • This recipe can be ready in about 15-20 minutes if you use Instant Rice.

    Other ground beef recipes you may like:

    • Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
    • Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)
    • Homemade Hamburger Helper
    • Simple Ground Beef Casserole
    • Teriyaki Ground Beef

    Asian beef and rice bowls

    Will you give these easy Asian beef bowls a try?

    Questions? Ask me in the comments below. 🙂

    closeup of ground beef bowls

    Easy Beef Bowls

    These easy beef bowls are a quick and delicious Asian-inspired recipe that makes the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
    4.91 from 50 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Asian American
    Servings 4
    Calories 371 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 cup uncooked rice I used white jasmine rice
    • 1 pound extra lean ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon (packed) brown sugar
    • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
    • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 red bell pepper chopped
    • Garnish (optional): scallions, sesame seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the rice according to package directions. If you have a different amount you usually make for 4 people, just make your usual amount.
    • Meanwhile, add the beef to a skillet over medium-high heat and break it up with your spoon as you go along until it's cooked (approx. 8-10 minutes). If there's a lot of excess fat, drain it.
    • Take the pan off the heat and stir in the sauce ingredients (sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, and garlic).
    • Reduce the heat to medium and return the pan to the heat. Add the red pepper pieces. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, until the peppers are tender-crisp.
    • Serve the beef over the rice and garnish as desired.

    Notes

    • To easily grate fresh ginger, freeze a whole piece. It grates much easier and you'll always have some on-hand. This is the handy tool I use to grate/zest it.
    • If you don't have sriracha sauce, you can leave it out. If you love sriracha, don't hesitate to add more than 1 teaspoon!
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 29gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 801mgPotassium: 488mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Asian beef bowls, ground beef bowls, Korean beef bowls
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Creamy Bacon Chicken
    Sausage Stuffed Peppers »

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    1. Raija says

      January 16, 2023 at 5:22 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good and so easy! The sauce gives the meat amazing flavor, but I would recommend making some extra sauce to add on top of it to get more into the rice. I am not a big Asian food fan and I loved this dish!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 17, 2023 at 10:20 AM

        Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Raija!

        Reply
    2. Scott Eisenbraun says

      December 7, 2022 at 7:25 PM

      5 stars
      Wife and I made. Sliced a serano chili and stir fried for more heat. We added sesame oil at end. Delicious. Will make often. Quick and satisfying.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 8, 2022 at 10:43 AM

        Excellent!! Glad you two enjoyed the recipe, Scott! Thanks for your review. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Stacey says

      November 16, 2022 at 8:24 PM

      5 stars
      We loved these beef rice bowls! Would cashews be a good addition?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 16, 2022 at 8:42 PM

        So happy to hear it!! I think cashews would be delicious in here!

        Reply
    4. Beverly says

      November 10, 2022 at 4:47 PM

      5 stars
      Trying to use “pantry” items for my recipes. I was going to substitute roasted red peppers for the regular red pepper. Think that will work. Thank you for the recipe. Will fix it tomorrow night.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 11, 2022 at 9:27 AM

        Hi! It will definitely change the flavor, but as long as you enjoy the taste of roasted red peppers, I think it should be good!

        Reply
    5. Erin says

      September 15, 2022 at 6:35 PM

      Ok, I love this one! I've added my own twist by including 1-2 finely diced sweet potatoes and zucchini. So filling and delicious.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        September 15, 2022 at 6:48 PM

        Great to hear, Erin! Love those additions! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Sharon says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:54 AM

      Could you use powdered ginger and if so, how much to substitute? I don't always have fresh on hand, although I love the trick of freezing it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 25, 2022 at 11:20 AM

        So, I would go very easy on powdered ginger. I find if you add too much it can really ruin a dish. I'd say 1/4 teaspoon or less to start with. Let me know if you try the freezing ginger trick - I love it! 😀

        Reply
    7. Anisha says

      April 6, 2022 at 7:46 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and it was fantastic! Toddler approved by my 4 and 2 year old. I’m glad I made extra sauce as I wanted some more in my bowl. Next time I will double this and add some other veggies like carrots, broccoli or zucchini. So flavourful! No leftovers thanks for the help on a weeknight! Pro tip: make extra sauce in case you want more or for next time! It’s so good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 7, 2022 at 9:45 AM

        That's awesome!!! Appreciate your review, Anisha! 😀

        Reply
    8. Billy says

      March 24, 2022 at 5:23 AM

      5 stars
      Quick easy and tasty I added chopped red chilli for extra heat .

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 24, 2022 at 9:46 AM

        Awesome!! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Jenny says

      March 21, 2022 at 8:57 PM

      This is a family favorite! It’s so easy and the flavors are excellent. Do yourself a favor and double it!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 21, 2022 at 9:09 PM

        That's so nice to hear your family enjoyed it, Jenny! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Maria says

      March 21, 2022 at 12:56 PM

      5 stars
      This looks yummy. I have a question regarding the ginger. You have to peel it prior to grating it, correct? Do you freeze it peeled already?

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 21, 2022 at 1:12 PM

        Hi Maria! We freeze it with the skin on. It protects it from getting freezer burn. You then grate the skin off the part of the ginger that you'd like to use. Takes a few seconds, then once you hit the inside, you just add that part to the recipe as needed. Enjoy!! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Taylor says

      March 20, 2022 at 6:03 PM

      5 stars
      This is one of our favourite recipes— it’s a weekly occurrence in our house!
      I double the sauce and sneak in more veg by adding sliced mushroom, celery and carrot.
      Thanks for posting it!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 20, 2022 at 6:33 PM

        I love that! So happy your home enjoys it, Taylor 🙂

        Reply
    12. Christine says

      March 8, 2022 at 12:31 PM

      5 stars
      MY ONLY REGRET WAS NOT SEEING THIS RECIPE SOONER! DELICIOUS , I USED ALL THE INGREDIENTS AND IT WAS PERFECTION. THIS WILL BE A NEW REGULAR MEAL IN OUR HOUSE 🏠

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 8, 2022 at 12:37 PM

        Fantastic!! 😀 Thanks, Christine!

        Reply
    13. Karen says

      February 10, 2022 at 5:28 PM

      I absolutely love this!!!! It is perfect for meal prepping! I doubled the sauce so it didn’t get dried out. Now I just have to get my kids to try it but I will definitely make this often.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 10, 2022 at 9:04 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Nancy says

      February 9, 2022 at 3:51 PM

      5 stars
      This was so good. I added an onion and some broccoli. I will double the sauce next time. Grandson's approved.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 9, 2022 at 4:15 PM

        Fantastic!! 🙂 Thanks, Nancy!

        Reply
    15. Andrea says

      January 9, 2022 at 3:06 PM

      Can I substitute the brown sugar with something else like honey? Or omit it altogether?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 9, 2022 at 3:28 PM

        Hi! I think honey should be fine. You could omit it, but it'll then make a bit less sauce and of course be a bit less sweet. Hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂

        Reply
    16. Beverly Weisbaum says

      January 3, 2022 at 8:24 AM

      Can the beef part of this be frozen maybe divided into single serving sizes and then added to rice, etc?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2022 at 10:21 AM

        Hi! You could, but you may want to double the sauce if doing that. This dish doesn't have a ton of sauce to begin with, and I feel like by the time you thaw and re-heat, it may end up a bit dry.

        Reply
    17. Allie says

      December 10, 2021 at 7:09 PM

      This recipe is a favorite and often lands on our weekly rotation. When we are feeling extra fancy we put an over easy egg on top - it is delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 10, 2021 at 7:35 PM

        Love that idea!! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Ashley says

      December 7, 2021 at 11:51 AM

      Does the nutrition include the rice? Thank you! Great recipe

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM

        Yes it does. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it, Ashley!

        Reply
    19. Gina Gunn says

      December 2, 2021 at 1:44 PM

      I made this, but I substituted the beef with chicken. It was great. We had NO leftovers!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2021 at 2:48 PM

        Awesome!!

        Reply
    20. Kandace Furlong says

      August 2, 2021 at 4:44 PM

      5 stars
      My wife and I made this and WOW, not sure anything this easy has ever slapped that hard - this recipe is the online form of pure FIRE. I'm drooling, probably have to make it again tonight.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 2, 2021 at 7:15 PM

        Haha I love that. Thank you!!

        Reply
    21. Brenda Woods says

      May 27, 2021 at 6:32 PM

      5 stars
      Quickly became a family fav. Used a teason- ish of ginger paste instead of fresh. Also added crushed red chili flakes. Added scallion in with pepper adore to garnish. So easy and delish

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 27, 2021 at 9:22 PM

        Fantastic!! I'm so glad it's a hit in your home, Brenda!

        Reply
    22. Suzanne says

      May 19, 2021 at 9:52 AM

      5 stars
      I made this minus the ginger (I hate ginger) & I sautéed the whites of the green onions with the ingredients & garnished with the greens. It was awesome. I’ve tried a few bulgoggi recipes that disappointed but this beef bowl was more what I wanted for taste & it was a hit. We’ve made it twice in a few weeks. Easy & quick after a workday when you don’t feel like cooking. I can’t wait to try more recipes-it’s hard to find good ones that actually turn out well & so I’m excited about finding your site!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 19, 2021 at 10:14 AM

        I'm so happy you like it so much!! 🙂 Thanks for your sweet comment. Let me know if you try anything else.

        Reply
    23. emily powers says

      May 3, 2021 at 8:54 AM

      5 stars
      This recipe was so delicious and my entire family loved it! I did add water chestnuts, shitake mushrooms and the white parts of the scallions to the beef and will probable make more sauce next time because it was sooooo good! Thanks for the recipe! This will be added as a regular to our rotation.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 3, 2021 at 11:04 AM

        That's awesome!! So glad you liked it. You're welcome! Your additions sound delish.

        Reply
    24. Monique says

      April 30, 2021 at 8:05 PM

      5 stars
      Definitely adding to weekly rotation! My kids and husband loved this recipe, as did I!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 1, 2021 at 10:13 AM

        Woo hoo!! Thank you 🙂

        Reply
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